How to Keep a Wasp From Nesting on a Wood Deck

by Shelley Marie

Paper wasps chew wood pulp and use it to create paper-like nests.

Wasps can be beneficial when they prey on other pests, but they're quite a nuisance when they build their nests on your wood deck. Wasps tend to favor such areas on homes because they provide hidden spots to build their nests. Wasp stings can be quite painful and can pose a danger to people who are allergic, so prevent them from nesting to keep them away from people and pets.

1

Set up wasp traps around the deck to capture any live wasps. Most require a lure of sweet liquid and water to drown the wasps. Empty the trap every day for maximum effectiveness. These work best in early spring.

2

Set up wasp's-nest decoys. They mimic real nests and trick the wasps into nesting elsewhere.

3

Locate and destroy any existing nests with aerosol wasp and hornet insecticide. Fast-acting dust or wettable powder can be quite effective. Approach the nest late at night, when the wasps are most docile. Thoroughly spray the nest with the insecticide, getting as much inside the nest as possible. Once the wasps are dead, remove the nest and place it in a bag to throw away.

4

Paint or finish the wood deck to create a smooth surface that wasps won't want to nest on.

5

Keep bushes and plants around the deck trimmed neatly to deter nesting on or near the deck.

Things You Will Need

Wasp traps

Wasp's-nest decoys

Wasp and hornet insecticide

Paint or wood finish

Tip

Wear heavy clothing and gloves when dealing with a wasp's nest. Cover your face with a veil and any tape the cuffs and collar of your shirt to prevent any skin exposure.

Use a flashlight with red cellophane taped over the light to see the nest at night. The red light can't be seen by the wasps.

Warning

About the Author

Shelley Marie has been writing professionally since 2008 for online marketing and informational websites. Her areas of expertise include home, garden and health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and an associate degree in medical billing and insurance coding, both from Herzing University.

Photo Credits

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